Linebacker Jahlani Tavai was one of the unsung heroes of the last half-decade of New England Patriots football. The veteran started in 51 games across five seasons in New England, establishing himself as a mainstay during the end of the Bill Belichick era.
The Patriots released him in March, just days before the start of free agency. The linebacker still had two years left on his deal at the time. He remained unsigned deep into the offseason, but the Jacksonville Jaguars gave him a chance this week.
Tavai joins a Jacksonville linebacker group that gives him a strong chance to make the final roster. Patriots fans already know the consistency (and limitations) that the linebacker can provide the Jaguars.
Jaguars sign former Patriots linebacker Jahlani Tavai
Tavai is the beneficiary of a series of unfortunate events in Jaguars training camp. Second-year linebacker Jack Kiser was injured early in training camp, spurring Jacksonville to sign Jared Bartlett. Bartlett then sustained an injury, making way for Tavai.
Despite his long wait in free agency, Tavai still has a realistic chance to make the Jaguars' final 53-man roster.
He was a reliable run defender for the Patriots, putting up 350 tackles over his five seasons in New England. He didn't provide much as a pass-rusher, but he established himself as a solid contributor on early downs. His PFF run defense grade never dipped below 63.7 during his time with the Patriots.
As strong as the linebacker was in run defense, he had his weaknesses in coverage. Outside of a few opportunistic interceptions, Tavai was often targeted over the middle of the field.
Tavai started 16 games in both 2023 and 2024 before falling out of favor under Mike Vrabel, starting in seven games in 2025. Robert Spillane took his spot and never looked back. Vrabel tends to favor more versatile inside linebackers who can hold up both against the run and in coverage.
After a nearly five-month stretch without a team, it looked like Tavai's NFL career might be coming to an unexpected end. Multiple teams had already passed over him in favor of signing other veteran linebackers. He won't take this chance with the Jaguars lightly.
Jacksonville still has room in its linebacker group for Tavai to earn a spot if he performs well in training camp and the preseason.
If Tavai does make the roster, he won't have to wait long to face off with his former team. The Patriots travel to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars in Week 3.
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